Pivotal Connector Assembly

ABSTRACT

A connector assembly pivotally couples a caster assembly with a pivot arm of an agricultural implement. The connector assembly includes first and second structural support plates having openings to receive a connector pin therethrough pivotally coupling the arm between the plates. A fixed collar having a bore, and a lock pin passage aligned perpendicular thereto, is fixed at one of the first or second structural support plates to receive the connector pin therethrough. The connector pin includes a first end having an exterior threaded portion and a second end having a connector pin opening. The connector pin opening and the lock pin opening receive a lock pin therethrough that secures a position of the connector pin in the collar. Tightening a nut at the threaded end of the connector causes the structural support plates to squeeze against the arm, enhancing lateral support of the arm.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a Divisional of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/940,032, filed on Sep. 14, 2004 entitled,“Pivotal Connector Assembly” and having David D. Seib. as the Applicant.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to a connector assembly and, more particularly, toa connector assembly having a lock pin configured to pivotally couple apivot arm with a caster assembly of an agricultural implement.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Agricultural implements typically employ numerous types of pivotalconnector assemblies in coupling various tools, structures, caster orwheel assemblies, etc. associated with operation of the agriculturalimplement.

A certain known connector assembly 20 is illustrated on FIGS. 4 and 5.The connector assembly 20 is generally employed to pivotally couple avertical shaft 25 of a rotatable caster or caster assembly 30 to pivotarms or linkages 36, 38 of an agricultural implement (not shown). Theconnector assembly 20 generally includes a housing or bracket 40 that incombination with one or more pins 46, 48 pivotally connects the pivotarms or linkages 36, 38 with the caster assembly 30. The preferredhousing 40 includes a first structural plate 50 and a second structuralplate 55 configured to receive the pivot arms 46, 48 therebetween. Thecoupling pins 46, 48 each generally includes a first end 60, 62 having athreaded portion and a second end 66, 68 having a threaded portion,respectively. The threaded portion of the first ends 60, 62 of thecoupling pin 46, 48 receive coupling nuts 70, 72, respectively. Thefirst structural plate 50 further includes collars 76, 78 having boresor passages 80, 82 configured to receive the coupling pins therethrough,respectively. In assembly, the coupling pins 46, 48 insert through thebores 80, 82 in the collars 76, 78, the pivot arms 36, 38, and bothstructural support plates 50, 55. The end portions of the bores 80, 82in the collars 76, 78 are polygonal-shaped in corresponding relation toreceive the polygonal-shaped nuts 70, 72 welded at the first end 60, 62of the coupling pins 46, 48. The threaded portion of the second end 66,68 of the coupling pins 46, 48 receives coupling nuts 86, 88. With thecoupling nuts 70, 72 restrained by the polygonal-shaped end portions ofthe bores 80, 82 in the collars 76, 78, the second nuts 86, 88 can betightened against the second structural plate 55 to secure the couplingpins 46, 48 with the structural support plates 50, 55.

However, this certain known coupling assembly 20 has drawbacks. Cuttingthe threaded portions at both ends 60, 62, of the coupling pins 46, 48is cumbersome and time consuming. Moreover, cutting the polygonal-shapedend portions of the bores 80, 82 in the collars 76, 78 to accommodateand restrain the coupling nuts 70, 72 is also costly and time consuming.

There is thus a need for an agricultural implement that employs aconnector assembly that can be readily assembled and disassembled.Furthermore, there is a need for a connector assembly that providessufficient lateral support to accommodate lateral forces on the pivotarm associated with operation of the agricultural implement on anagricultural terrain or field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a connector assembly in pivotal supportof an arm having an opening that extends therethrough. The connectorassembly includes a first structural support plate in generally parallelalignment with, and spaced apart from, a second structural supportplate. The first and second structural support plates are configured toreceive the arm therebetween. The first support plate includes a firstopening and the second support plate includes a second opening ingeneral concentric alignment with the first opening in the first supportplate. The connector assembly further includes a collar attached at, andhaving a bore or passage in concentric relation to, the opening in thefirst structural support plate. The collar includes a collar pin passagealigned generally perpendicular to the passage. The connector assemblyfurther includes a connector pin pivotally coupling the arm between thefirst and second structural support plates. The connector pin isreceived through the bore of the collar, the first structural supportplate opening, the second structural support plate opening and theopening in the arm in pivotal support of the arm. The connector pinincludes a first end and a second end, the first end having an exteriorthreaded portion and the second end having a connector pin openingextending diametrically therethrough. The connector further includes aconnector pin nut having threaded interior configured to receive theexterior threaded portion of the connector pin. The connector assemblyfurther includes a lock pin received through the connector pin openingof the connector pin and the collar pin opening of the collar. The lockpin secures a location or position of the connector pin relative to thefirst and second structural support plates. Rotation of the connectorpin nut, in combination with the lock pin fixed in the connector pin andcollar, causes the tightens or squeezes the first support plate and thesecond plate against the support arm therebetween, which enhanceslateral support of the arm.

The preferred embodiment of the connector assembly further includes atleast one washer mounted on the connector pin between the connector pinnut and the second structural support plate. The collar pin opening ofthe collar and the connector pin opening receive the lock pintherethrough so as to secure a position of the connector pin withrespect to the first and second structural support plates. The lock pinincludes a first end with a head portion opposite a second end with anexterior threaded portion. The connector assembly further includes alock pin nut having a threaded interior that receives the threadedexterior portion of the lock pin so as to secure the lock pin in theconnector pin opening and the collar pin opening.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an agriculturalimplement that includes a mainframe, at least one caster assembly insupport of the main frame, at least one arm in pivotal support of thecaster assembly with the main frame, and a connector assembly. The armgenerally includes a first end and a second end. The first end ispivotally coupled to the main frame and the second end is pivotallycoupled to the connector assembly.

The connector assembly generally includes a first structural supportplate in generally parallel alignment with, and spaced apart from, asecond structural support plate. The first and second structural supportplates are configured to receive the second end of the arm therebetween,as well as a vertical shaft or support of the caster assembly. The firstsupport plate includes a first opening and the second support plateincludes a second opening in general alignment with the first opening inthe first support plate. The connector assembly further includes acollar attached at, and having a bore or passage in concentric relationto, the first opening in the first support plate. The collar furtherincludes a collar pin opening aligned generally perpendicular to thepassage. The connector assembly further includes a connector pinpivotally coupling the arm between the first and second structuralsupport plates. The connector pin is received through the bore in thecollar, the first structural support plate opening, the secondstructural support plate opening and the opening through the second endof the arm. The connector pin includes a first end having an exteriorthreaded portion and a second end having a connector pin openingextending therethrough. The connector assembly further includes aconnector pin nut having threaded interior to receive the exteriorthreaded portion of the connector pin. The connector assembly furtherincludes a lock pin received through the connector pin opening. Rotatingthe connector pin nut relative to the connector pin tightens or squeezesthe first and second structural support plates against the support armtherebetween. The connector assembly thereby allows the support arm topivot about the connector pin between the first and second structuralsupport plates, as well as enhances lateral support of the arm to resistforces acting on the arm associated with operation of the implement onan agricultural terrain or field.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofpivotally coupling a first end of a support arm between a first supportand a second support of a housing. The method includes the steps ofreceiving the first end of the support arm between the first and secondsupport of the housing; inserting a connector pin through a firstopening in the first support, a second opening in the second support, anopening in the first end of the support arm, and a collar that defines apassage in concentric relation to the first opening in the firstsupport; securing the position of the connector pin relative to thehousing by inserting a lock pin through a connector pin opening of theconnector pin and a collar opening of the collar; and squeezing thefirst and second supports against the first end of the support armtherebetween.

The preferred squeezing step includes receiving a tightening nut on athreaded end of the connector pin opposite the lock pin, and tighteningthe tightening nut against the second support of the housing relative tothe position of the connector pin fixed by the lock pin in the collaropening of the collar. The preferred lock pin includes a head portionand an exterior threaded portion, and the preferred securing stepincludes receiving a lock pin tightening nut at the threaded end portionof the lock pin. The first end of the preferred support arm includes asleeve that defines the opening therethrough to receive the connectorpin, and the preferred squeezing step includes squeezing the firstsupport and the second support against opposite ends of the sleeve.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however,that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicatingpreferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way ofillustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications maybe made within the scope of the present invention without departing fromthe spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent likeparts throughout.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an agricultural implement havinga caster assembly pivotally connected by a connector assembly inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed isometric exploded view of the connectorassembly and the caster assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of the connectorassembly along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed isometric exploded view of a known connectorassembly configured with a caster assembly.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of the knownconnector assembly of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A wide variety of machines or systems could be constructed in accordancewith the invention defined by the claims. Hence, even though theexemplary embodiment of a connector assembly 100 in accordance with theinvention will be generally described with reference to a casterassembly 105 of an agricultural implement 110 as shown in FIG. 1, theapplication of the connector assembly 100 is not so limited. Theconnector assembly 100 of the invention could be employed to couple,mount, or support by a wide variety of structures, machines, tools ormechanical assemblies, etc., and is not limiting on the invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the preferred agricultural implement 110 includes amainframe 115 interconnected with a hitch 120 and a tool bar 125. Thehitch 120 is configured to be coupled to a tow vehicle (not shown). Thetool bar 125 is configured to support various tools (not shown) to beused in agricultural planting, tilling, etc. operations. The types oftools can vary. The connector assembly 100 generally mounts themainframe 115 on the caster or wheel assemblies 105 in support of theimplement 110 to be towed by the tow vehicle across an agriculturalterrain or field.

Referring to FIG. 2, the preferred caster assembly 105 includes avertical support 130 rotationally mounted on a horizontal shaft 135 insupport of one or more wheels 140. The connector assembly 100 mounts thevertical shaft 130 of the caster assembly 105 to the mainframe 115 ofthe agricultural implement 110. The vertical shaft 130 is configured toallow the one or more wheels 140 to variably be rotated or oriented360-degrees about the vertical shaft 130. The preferred vertical shaft130 includes a generally square or rectangular shaped portion that isreceived by the connector assembly 100.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an upper arm 150 and a lower arm 155pivotally link each connector assembly 100 and mounted caster assembly105 with the main frame 115 of the agricultural implement 110. Asillustrated in FIG. 1, each upper and lower arm 150, 155 generallyincludes a first end 160 pivotally coupled to the main frame 115, and asecond end 165, 166 pivotally coupled to the connector assembly 100. Thesecond end 165, 166 of each upper and lower arm 150, 155 generallyincludes an opening 170, 175 extending therethrough. As shown in FIG. 2,the second end 165, 166 of each upper and lower arm 150, 155,respectively, further includes a first arm collar 180, 182 opposite asecond arm collar 186, 188, each located in general communication withthe openings 170, 175 respectively, extending therethrough. Thepreferred upper and lower arms 150 and 155 are tubular shaped, but thetype (e.g. bars, etc.) of arms 150, 155 can vary.

The connector assembly 100 is configured to pivotally connect the casterassembly 105 with the second ends 165, 166 of the arm 150, 155. Inaddition to supporting the caster assembly 105 on the arms 150, 155 andmainframe 115, the connector assembly 100 also enhances lateral supportof the arms 150, 155 against miscellaneous lateral forces associatedwith operation of the agricultural implement 110 on a rough terrain orfield.

As shown in FIG. 2, the preferred connector assembly 100 generallyincludes a first structural support plate 190 and a second structuralsupport plate 192 configured to receive the pivot arms 150 and 155therebetween. The first pivot arm 150 is pivotally coupled by aconnector pin 200 and a connector nut 205 between the first and secondstructural support plates 190, 192.

Hereinafter, the connector assembly 100 in combination with the firstpivot arm 150 will be discussed in detail. The connector assembly 100assembled in combination with the second pivot arm 155 is constructed ina like manner to the first pivot arm 150 and so is not discussed indetail. Referring now to FIG. 3, the preferred embodiment of theconnector assembly 100 includes the first structural support plate 190in generally parallel relation with, and spaced apart from, the secondstructural support plate 192 so as to receive the second end 165 of thesupport arms 150, as well as the vertical shaft 130 of the casterassembly 105 (See FIG. 2), therebetween. The first structural supportplate 190 includes a first opening 208 and the second structural supportplate 192 includes a second opening 209 in generally concentric relationrelative to the first opening 208 in the first structural support plate190. The first structural support plate 190 is engaged against the firstarm collar 180, and the second structural support plate 192 is engagedagainst the second arm collar 186, of the pivot arm 150.

Still referring to FIG. 3, a lock pin collar 210 is attached at thefirst opening 208 in the first structural support plate 190. The lockpin collar 210 generally includes a bore 215 in general concentricrelation to the first opening 208 in the first structural support plate190. The lock pin collar 210 further includes a collar pin passage 220that is aligned generally perpendicular to the bore 215. Although theillustrated lock pin collar 210 is attached at the first opening 208 ofthe first structural plate 190, the connector assembly 100 can beconstructed in a flipped configuration where the collar 210 isalternatively attached at the second opening 209 of the secondstructural plate 192. Also, the connector assembly 100 further includesa second collar 222 attached at the second opening 209 in the secondstructural support plate 192.

The connector pin 200 pivotally couples the second end 165 of the pivotarm 150 between the first and second structural support plates 190, 192.The connector pin 200 is received through the bore 215 of the collar 210and the first and second openings 208, 209 in the first and secondstructural support plates 190, 192, respectively. The connector pin 200includes a first end 225 and a second end 230. The first end 225 of theconnector pin 200 includes a lock pin opening 235 extending through theconnector pin 200, and the second end 230 of the connector pin 200includes an exterior threaded portion. The connector pin nut 205includes a threaded interior configured to receive the exterior threadedportion of the second end 230 connector pin 200 to secure assembly ofthe connector pin 200 and pivot arm 150 with the first and secondstructural support plates 190, 192. The connector pin nut 205 can alsobe rotated to selectively tighten or squeeze the first and secondstructural support plates 190, 192 against the pivot arm 150therebetween. The connector assembly 100 can further include one or morewashers 240 mounted on the connector pin 200 between the connector pinnut 205 and the second collar 222 to enhance lateral restraint of thepivot 150 between the first and second structural support plates 190,192.

Still referring to FIG. 3, a lock pin 250 secures a position of theconnector pin 200 relative to the lock pin collar 210 and the attachedfirst structural plate 190. The lock pin 250 is received through thelock pin opening 235 in the connector pin 200 and the collar pin passage220 of the lock pin collar 210. The preferred lock pin 250 includes afirst end 255 with a head portion opposite a second end 260 with anexterior threaded portion. A lock pin nut 270 having a threaded interioris configured to receive the threaded exterior portion of the second end260 of the lock pin 250 to secure the lock pin 250 in the lock pinopening 235, and thereby secure the connector pin 200 in the lock pincollar 210.

In operation, the first end of the pivot arm 150 is pivotally coupled tothe main frame 115 of the agricultural implement 110. The first andsecond structural support plates 190, 192 receive the second end 165 ofthe pivot arm 150. The vertical shaft 130 of the caster assembly 105 isalso received between the first and second structural support plates190, 192 in such a manner that the main frame 115 is pivotally mountedon the caster assembly 105. The connector pin 200 is inserted throughthe first opening 208 in the first structural support plate 190, thesecond opening 209 in the second structural support plate 192, theopening 170 in the second end 165 of the support arm 150, and the bore220 of the lock pin collar 210 attached at the first structural supportplate 192. The connector pin 200 is secured in the lock pin collar 210by inserting the lock pin 250 through the lock pin opening 235 in theconnector pin 200 and the collar pin passage 220 in the lock pin collar210. The lock pin nut 270 threads on the threaded end portion 260 of thelock pin 250 to secure the lock pin 250 with the connector pin 200 andlock pin collar 210. The connecting pin nut 205 is received on thethreaded end portion 230 of the connector pin 200. Tightening theconnecting pin nut 205 on the connector pin 200 in combination withrestraining the connector pin 200 with the locking pin 250 in the lockpin collar 210 causes the first and second structural support plates190, 192 to squeeze against the first and second collars 180, 186 of thepivot arm 150 therebetween. In addition to pivotally connecting thecaster assembly 105 on the pivot arm 150, this squeezing of the supportplates 190, 192 inward against the pivot arm 150 enhances lateralsupport of the pivot arm 150.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the connector assembly 100 also pivotallycouples the second pivot arm 155 with a second connector pin 400, secondpin nut 405, second lock pin collar (not shown), and second lock pin 415constructed and assembled in a similar manner to the connector pin 200,connector pin nut 205, lock pin collar 210 and lock pin 250 describedabove. The connector assembly 100 can be configured to pivotally coupleany number of pivot arms. Moreover, the connector assembly can beemployed to pivotally couple the first end of the pivot arm at the mainframe.

Many changes and modifications could be made to the invention withoutdeparting from the spirit thereof. The scope of these changes willbecome apparent from the appended claims.

1. A method of pivotally coupling a first end of a support arm between afirst support and a second support of a housing, the method comprisingthe steps of: receiving the first end of the support arm between thefirst and second support of the housing; inserting a connector pinthrough a first opening in the first support, a second opening in thesecond support, an opening in the first end of the support arm, and acollar that defines a passage in concentric relation to the firstopening in the first support; securing the position of the connector pinrelative to the housing by inserting a lock pin through a connector pinopening of the connector pin and a collar opening of the collar; andsqueezing the first and second supports against the first end of thesupport arm therebetween.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1, whereinthe squeezing step includes: receiving a tightening nut on a threadedend of the connector pin opposite the lock pin.
 3. The method as recitedin claim 2, wherein the squeezing step includes tightening thetightening nut on a treaded end of the connector pin as the connectorpin is fixed by the lock pin tightening nut at the threaded end portionof the lock pin.
 4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the lockpin includes a head portion and an exterior threaded portion, and thesecuring step includes: receiving a lock pin tightening nut at thethreaded end portion of the lock pin.
 5. The method as recited in claim1, wherein the first end of the support arm includes a sleeve thatdefines the opening therethrough to receive the connector pin, andwherein the squeezing step includes squeezing the first support and thesecond support against opposite ends of the sleeve.
 6. The method asrecited in claim 1, further including pivotally coupling a second pivotarm having a second sleeve with a second connector pin between the firstand second supports, wherein the squeezing steps includes squeezing thefirst and second supports against opposite ends of the second sleeve.